BROWNE ON THE BALL: Points mean prizes, but they are not the only way to judge Boston United’s progress

Jay Rollins.

Published:11:51Thursday 28 April 2016

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One scored the matchwinning goal while the other thumped home a volley that will have fans talking for years to come.

One was hitting the showers late after collecting his man of the match champagne while the other was already in his club track suit and doing his media interviews.

Kaine Felix.

But as Jay Rollins and Kaine Felix crossed paths in the Boston United tunnel after Saturday’s vital, exciting and unbelievably tense 2-1 victory over play-off rivals Nuneaton Town, the two attackers shared the same words.

“See you later, bruv,” the duo said in near-unison, shaking hands and heading their separate ways after a job well done.

You could be fooled into thinking that Rollins and Felix should be bitter rivals, both looking to outdo the other and force their place in the starting XI at the other’s expense.

Both are more comfortable on that right-hand side, Felix offering the blink-and-you’ve missed-it pacey option while Rollins’ bulkier physique can see him bulldoze his way through bemused and bruised defences.

But on Saturday the two - as part of a front three, flanking Dayle Southwell - reminded the packed terraces of the Jakemans Stadium how they can operate together, instead of being the type of one-in, one-benched rotating wing team United used to enjoy with Danny Thomas and Courtney Pitt.

With Boston a goal down Felix produced the spark which forced belief back into the home side, hitting the sweetest 25-yard volley that he may ever connect with in his promising career.

And victory was confirmed when Rollins latched onto Southwell’s forward pass, forced his way into the penalty area and drilled home a left-footer that ensured the Pilgrims’ promotion destiny remains in their own hands.

And what’s even better news for the fans in amber and black is the fact that there remains no animosity between the two wide men, who have followed such similar paths since their arrival at York Street a season apart.

Indeed, Felix has recently spoken about how he enjoys playing alongside Rollins, the luxury of swapping sides to keep defenders on their toes.

Felix was last year’s rough diamond, the lower league gamble which paid off as his game matured throughout regular performances.

This year is had been more of the same from Rollins, invited to link up with the team in pre-season training and making himself very much more than ‘one for the future’ - as manager Dennis Greene first described him after a debut goal in the friendly at Boston Town.

Greene, himself, has long been talking of this club’s need to show progress.

The example he has wheeled out is the need to finish above the 72 point mark and last season’s third place.

Victory at Stalybridge this weekend would see Boston end their season below that on 71 points, while third cannot be reached, let alone bettered.

But when you see United - with work on their new stadium beginning this summer, young talents like Rollins and Felix becoming first team regulars and the chance of promotion still there - you could argue that progress is very much being made.